Nikon D300 Vs D300s

Nikon D7000 vs Nikon D90 by DigitalRev – Should You Upgrade? by Raphael Chieza

The Nikon D7000 was initially thought to be the upgrade replacement for the Nikon D90 but it seems that Nikon is still keeping the Nikon D90 in its line-up. If you have a Nikon D90, no doubt you would like to know if upgrading to the Nikon D7000 makes sense. While if you don’t, it will be an interesting comparison between the two to see which is better.

Nikon D7000 vs Nikon D90 – Key Differences

Autofocus and Metering – Perhaps the biggest difference between the 2 models is the introduction of a new Metering and AF System in the Nikon D7000. Employing a 2016-pixel sensor over that of a 420-pixel sensor on the Nikon D90, there is no doubt that Nikon is focused on their objective of delivering a better final image with their cameras. With a better metering system to more accurately capture the colours, the Nikon D7000 also delivers greater flexibility with focusing with its 39-point AF system. With 9 cross-type sensors in the centre, you can depend on sharp focus quickly and effortlessly.

Image Sensor – As usual, one of the first things that people look at is the megapixels count of the camera. Here, Nikon have increased the resolution to 16.2 megapixels for the D7000 but keeping in mind that they have always shied away from high resolutions flaunted by Canon, it is very reasonable in comparison to the 12.3 megapixels of the D90.

Noise Handling – Noise handling is also much better on the Nikon D7000 with the ISO range of the D7000 being expandable to ISO 25600. Sure it’s not the same obscene ISO limit you see on the newer high end models but it’s likely to satisfy most users. This is especially true when compared with the Nikon D90 which is 2 stops behind with an expanded limit of ISO 6400.

Shutter Speed / Burst Speed – The 6fps burst speed of the Nikon D7000 as compared to the 4.5fps of the Nikon D90 shows that Nikon is prepared to compete on this feature with the Canon XXD series. Canon EOS 60D can only manage 5.3fps so this makes the D7000 even more attractive. With this improvement helping to target sports shooters, it makes sense that the D7000 also delivers higher shutter speeds up to 1/8000s.

HD Movie Recording – While both models still only deliver 24fps shooting at the highest settings, the D7000 offers Full HD recording. Keeping in mind that the Nikon D90 was the first DSLR to offer movie recording, it is still not too shabby. The AF-F mode which allows auto focusing during recording may not be available on the D90 but most would find manual focusing to be the way forward if you want to be creative when shooting wide open.

Memory Slots – Dual Memory cards is definitely something which serious photographers value. Whether it is the overflow mode, backup mode or the Raw/JPEG mode, their availability can definitely help to improve your workflow. Nikon D90 was quite popular with a lot of photojournalists and these are very much the main group of users who will love the dual slot of the Nikon D7000.

Body Size & Quality – Perhaps the best thing about both the D90 and the D7000 is that they both offer a robust body while keeping the body relatively compact and lightweight. The D7000 is virtually the same size as the D90 and only about 70g heavier. This makes the D7000 perfect for those who are not upgrading from the D90 to the D300S (200g difference) because of weight concerns.

Nikon D7000 vs Nikon D90 – Conclusions

Simply put¡ yes, definitely worth the upgrade. In the current market where many upgrades are not much of an improvement, you will find that the Nikon D7000 a real game changer. It has effectively redefined the class of cameras at the D90 level and should deliver solid performance that you can count on. Sure, the Nikon D90 is very much a camera that you can shoot with for many years as it is but the D7000 has enough to justify an upgrade without the need to go up to the Nikon D300s or higher. Mind you, if you are also considering the D300S, take a look at our D7000 vs D300S comparison.

About the Author

RAPHAEL is an ardent photographer, a member of the Marketing Communication team at DigitalRev, and a colourful personality whose favourite hobby is to tell bad jokes to people. Being driven by passion to shoot something new all the time, his photos are an exciting story if nothing else.

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